Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

Cambridge IGCSE

Mathematics

About CIE

CIE – University of Cambridge International Examinations – is the world’s largest provider of international qualifi cations for 14 – 19 year olds. Over 1.5 million students, in over 150 countries, enter for CIE examinations every year. CIE is part of Cambridge Assessment, a not-for-profi t department of the University of Cambridge.

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international

qualifi cation for 14 – 19 year olds.

Cambridge IGCSE

Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certifi cate of Secondary Education) is the world’s most popular international qualifi cation for 14 – 16 year olds. Created by CIE in 1985, and based on best practice in the UK, Cambridge IGCSE is available in over 70 subjects. It equips students not only with knowledge of specifi c subjects, but also with problem solving and critical thinking skills, and an ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Recognition

Cambridge IGCSE is internationally recognised by universities in the UK and overseas as equivalent grade-for-grade to UK GCSE – learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition. Cambridge IGCSE is an excellent preparation for both A/AS Level and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The standard is benchmarked to UK GCSE. CIE runs regular comparability checks through the Cambridge Assessment Research Division and shares examiners with its linked organisation OCR to make sure standards are the same.

International reach

Cambridge IGCSE is taken in 125 countries and suits both national and international teaching contexts. The syllabuses use international examples and avoid terminology only used in the UK. Non-native speakers of English are treated fairly.

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics enables students to gain skills that will be used every day and last a lifetime. It gives students an excellent preparation for further study.

Students not only gain confi dence about the knowledge they have acquired, but also gain satisfaction and enjoyment in both their learning and use of mathematics.

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics provides an excellent foundation for:

• Students who want to continue their studies at AS and A Level and beyond

• Students who need mathematics to complement other subjects

• Students who need a fi nal qualifi cation in mathematics.

With or without coursework

Students can be assessed by written papers only, or by written papers and coursework.

A tiered approach

Students follow a Core curriculum. Teachers can also stretch their students with an Extended curriculum. Students can change level during the course according to their progress.

Core curriculum students are eligible for grades C to G. Extended curriculum students are eligible for grades A* to E.

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

Cambridge IGCSE

Mathematics enables

students to gain skills

that will be used every

day and last a lifetime.

Title Duration Weighting

Paper 1 1 hour 35%(Core tier)

Paper 2 1 hour 30 minutes(Extended tier)



Assessment

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (without coursework) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (with coursework)

Many topics are covered in greater depth at Extended level. * Topic only covered at Extended level.

Algebra, functions and graphs

Graphs in practical situations

Algebraic representation, formulae and manipulation

Indices

Solutions of equations and inequalities

Graphs of functions

Vectors in two dimensions

Linear programming *

Matrices *

Functions *

Space

Geometrical terms and relationships

Geometrical constructions

Symmetry

Angle properties

Locus

Mensuration

Trigonometry

Transformations

Statistics and probability

Statistics

Probability

Syllabus content

Number

Number, set notation and language

Different types of number

Use of an electronic calculator

Vulgar and decimal fractions and percentages

Ordering

Standard form

The four rules

Estimation

Measures

Ratio, proportion, rate

Personal and household fi nance






Coursework – 20%(Core and Foundation tier)

The introduction of Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics offers schools even more choice when it comes to selecting a mathematics course that is right for their students.

Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics has been designed in response to requests from international schools for a course that focuses more on investigations and modelling, and which better utilises the powerful technology of graphical calculators.

The course integrates well with the approach to teaching of mathematics in IB schools and is divided into a core tier and an extended tier.

Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics

Syllabus content

Number

Algebra

Functions

Graphical calculator work

Geometry

Transformations

Mensuration

Coordinate Geometry

Trigonometry

Sets

Probability

Statistics

Assessment

Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics is available in two tiers: Core and Extended. Core curriculum students are eligible for grades C to G. Extended curriculum students are eligible for grades A* to E.

Title Duration Weighting Assessment

Paper 1 45m 25% Short answer questions, no calculators(Core Tier) permitted.

Paper 2 45m 20%(Extended Tier)

Paper 3 1h 45m 60% Medium to long response questions. (Core Tier) A graphics calculator is required.

Paper 4 2h 15m 60%(Extended Tier)

Paper 5 1h 15% One investigation question. A graphics(Core Tier) calculator is required.

Paper 6 1h 30m 20% One investigation question and one(Extended Tier) modelling question.

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics is for students who want to develop and stretch themselves in mathematics – typically students likely to achieve grade A*, A or B in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics or equivalent.

It enables students to extend the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics course and use skills in the context of more advanced techniques.

Syllabus content focuses on Pure Mathematics, which gives students an excellent foundation for mathematics at A/AS Level, the IB Diploma and beyond. Knowledge of content in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) is assumed.

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics

Set language and notation

Circular measure

Functions

Trigonometry

Quadratic functions

Permutations and combinations

Indices and surds

Binomial expansions

Factors of polynomials

Vectors in two dimensions

Simultaneous equations

Matrices

Logarithmic and exponential functions

Differentiation and integration

Straight line graphs

Both papers cover the whole syllabus. Available at Extended level only, at grades A* to E. No coursework required.

Syllabus content Assessment


Paper 1 2 hours 50%

Paper 2 2 hours 50%

What curriculum pathways are possible with Cambridge IGCSE mathematics?

Pathway

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

Age 11 – 14 Age 14 – 15 Age 15 – 16 Post 16

Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme or Cambridge Checkpoint





IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE International Mathematics

IGCSE Mathematics


IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE International MathematicsIGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE International MathematicsIGCSE Mathematics


IGCSE Additional Mathematics

A Level Mathematics

No further mathematics study

A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics


Cambridge Pre-U in Mathematics

UK KS3 IGCSE Mathematics, IGCSE International Mathematics and IGCSE Additional Mathematics in parallel

A/AS Level or Cambridge Pre-U Mathematics

UK KS3 IGCSE Mathematics


A/AS Level or Cambridge Pre-U Mathematics and Further Mathematics

IB Middle Years Programme IB Middle Years Programme, culminating in IGCSE Mathematics or IGCSE International Mathematics

IB Diploma

India: local curriculum IGCSE Mathematics Local curriculum + 2 qualifi cations in mathematics

Cambridge International Curriculum

USA: local curriculum IGCSE Mathematics US Advanced Placement tests


New Zealand: local curriculum

IGCSE Mathematics, IGCSE Additional Mathematics

AS Level Higher Mathematics, AS/A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics

Other international and national programmes

Standards

Standards are of great interest and keenly debated among teachers, parents, government bodies and many other interested parties.

Cambridge IGCSE is benchmarked to UK GCSE and recognised by universities in the UK and worldwide as equivalent grade-for-grade to UK GCSE.

You may fi nd it useful to refer to question papers, mark schemes, examiner reports and exemplar student answers at particular grades – all available on the CD in the back of this brochure.

CIE offers access to world-class support services, designed to help teachers deliver engaging, effective courses. CIE also helps teachers develop as professionals.

Teacher Resources

• Textbooks and resources A wide range of textbooks is available for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics – a full resource list is on the syllabus on the CD in this brochure and at www.cie.org.uk. It includes materials relevant to both classroom teaching and professional development.

• Teacher Support website Registered CIE Centres can access all the materials they need to teach CIE syllabuses, including past question papers, mark schemes, examiners’ reports, schemes of work (lesson plans) and online progress tests.

• www.learncie.org.uk Access to thousands of pages of up-to-date resources, written by teachers and ready for classroom use. The learnCIE Teacher Test Centre enables teachers to create tests for students to take online, or as homework.

• www.cambridgestudents.org.uk Information and reference materials for students following Cambridge international courses, designed to complement classroom teaching.

Training

CIE offers regular face-to-face training on Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics, giving teachers the knowledge and skills they need to help students perform well in examinations. Online training is also available, increasing access for teachers who have limited time or who are a long way from training events.

Expert advice

You can send us queries about any element of Cambridge IGCSEs in Mathematics. Our subject experts will advise you further.

Easy to administer

CIE offers simple, fast, effi cient and friendly administration. Centres receive comprehensive assistance from CIE’s Customer Support team and local representatives. Administration and results can be handled online. CIE aims to respond in full to all queries within two working days.

Support for Teachers and Centres

Learn more!

Learn more about Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, International Mathematics, or about becoming a CIE Centre.

Visit our website at www.cie.org.uk

Contact us at [email protected], or telephone +44 1223 553554.

University of Cambridge International Examinations1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United KingdomTel: +44 1223 553554 Fax: +44 1223 [email protected] www.cie.org.uk

© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2008

Documents

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics